Quake Arena Arcade is now available for download exclusively on Xbox Live for the price of 1200 Microsoft Points.

Here is some information on the game:

“Quake Arena Arcade introduces the definitive, competitive first-person shooter to a new generation of gladiators.  Frag up to fifteen of your friends in six game types over Xbox LIVE, including ‘Deathmatch’, ‘Capture the Flag’, and ‘Harvester’ modes. Experience QUAKE like never before with over thirty classic maps, twelve Xbox-exclusive arenas, HD and Widescreen support, and a brand new Single Player campaign.”

Microsoft has predicted that Blu-ray will be all but dead before it can become the leading disc format in the video games industry. UK Xbox boss Stephen McGill says the concept will just “pass by” before it can manage to make any impact.

I think people may have spoken about Xbox’s lack of a Blu-ray drive originally, but that’s long gone,” he told X360A. “I think people now recognise what a smart decision it was to keep the pricing low, and actually Blu-ray is going to be passed by as a format. People have moved through from DVDs to digital downloads and digital streaming, so we offer full HD 1080p Blu-ray quality streaming instantly, no download, no delay. So, who needs Blu-ray?”

Well, you’ll need something to match the power of Blu-ray, won’t you?

For European users of Microsoft’s Xbox 360’s online community, Xbox Live, one month subscriptions will be going up from £4.99 to £5.99. For those few who DO use one month subscriptions, this isn’t that bad news.

For Canada, one month subscription has gone up from $8.99 CAD to $9.99 CAD. For Mexicans, stop eating your tacos and get ready to pat a 100 Pesos extra, for the price of Xbox Live one month membership has gone up from 499 Pesos to 599 Pesos.

It’s the US where blood will be shed. One month subscriptions have gone up from $7.99 to $9.99. Yes, that’s a $2 hike. Three month subs have risen from $19.99 to $24.99, whereas one year plans have gone up from $49.99 to $59.99.

As a half-hearted attempt to console their customers, MS’ Major Nelson says: “We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.”

There will be blood.